Lock and Release (Delivery)

The Left Leg Lockout

The javelin throw is not a thrust, it is a controlled braking. The left leg (for right-handers) is planted far out in front, with the heel digging aggressively into the ground and the knee fully extended and stiff. This is the "Lockout."

It works like a car hitting a wall: by dry braking the lower body, inertia transfers all the velocity accumulated in the run to the upper body (trunk and arm), which shoots forward at breakneck speed.

If the blocking leg is flexed ("soft knee"), the energy is dissipated on the ground and the javelin loses meters drastically. The coach should hear the left foot tapping against the runway.

The Bow Shape Position

With the left leg locked and the right arm still behind, the body adopts the Bow position.

The hips are rotated forward, the chest is open and projected upward, and the arm drags the javelin behind.

This position stretches the pectoral and abdominal muscles to the maximum. The release of this elastic tension is what generates power, not biceps strength.

The elbow of the throwing arm should pass high, over the shoulder, as if throwing a ball over a soccer goal.

If the elbow drops (lateral throw), there is a risk of injury to the ulnar collateral ligament and the javelin flies flat.

The final whip and recovery

The final phase is the "whiplash". The forearm and hand accelerate explosively, releasing the javelin at an optimal angle of between 32 and 36 degrees.

It is crucial to impart axial rotation to the javelin with the fingers to stabilize it in flight.

Immediately after releasing the implement, the athlete must execute the "recovery" so as not to commit a null by stepping on the line.

This is achieved by reversing the legs: the right leg (which was behind) passes quickly forward to stop the residual momentum of the body, while the athlete lowers his center of gravity and uses his arms to balance himself, stopping centimeters from the arc limit.

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